Friday, March 26, 1999 Published at 19:49 GMTUKThatcher stands by PinochetBaroness Thatcher thanked Pinochet for his help in the FalklandsBaroness Thatcher has visited General Pinochet at the home where he is staying under house arrest near London - and talked of the "debt" she believes the UK owes him.

The former UK prime minister met with the one-time Chilean dictator in a rare public appearance televised live from the house in Wentworth, Surrey.

General Pinochet is staying in the rented mansion during his legal battle to avoid extradition to Spain.

Lady Thatcher thanked her old friend for being an ally during the 1982 Falklands War - and for "bringing democracy to Chile".

"I know how much we owed to you for your help," she said.

"The information you gave us, communications, and also the refuge you gave to any of our armed forces who were able, if they were shipwrecked, to make their way to Chile."

Pinochet's wife was present

She added: "I'm also very much aware that it is you who brought democracy to Chile, you set up a constitution suitable for democracy, you put it into effect,
elections were held, and then, in accordance with the result, you stepped down."

General Pinochet said it was an honour to have Lady Thatcher there at the "simple house" on the estate, and thanked her for her "kindness".

Seated in a chair and clutching a cane, he told her in Spanish, "This is a small house, but it is full of gratitude to you. It is only a small way to thank you for all your kindness."

She said she was glad he was "comfortable".

No absolute immunity

The televised interview marks the first time the 83-year-old has been seen in public since his arrest on 16 October.